My Contract Husband Resembles the Male Protagonist - Chapter 80
Even if she was the woman chosen to be the empress.
“Recently, no new cases have been reported. The timing coincides with Your Majesty’s meeting with Lady Lockheart.”
Soho spoke cautiously.
“I want to believe that Lady Lockheart is not responsible for this, but…”
There was not only circumstantial evidence, but also ledgers and testimonies from merchants.
However, even Soho found some things strange.
Though he hadn’t met her personally, the way she made the emperor smile, the way his demeanor softened after returning from the countryside, and the fact that she had successfully negotiated the luminous stone trade with Grunwald all seemed out of character for someone involved in such incidents.
Taking a step back, her appearance was that of a perfect empress.
Soho was just as flustered.
“I apologize. I intended to investigate further and report back.”
“The person who knows that Lady Lockheart ran away…”
Dale muttered as he stroked his sharp jawline.
“Me.”
Dale wrote down his own name.
“And you, the advisors.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“And the members of the Lockheart family.”
Or…
The old noble faction that had been keeping an eye on them.
Those who had known about her disappearance from the beginning. Those who would want to tarnish Lady Lockheart’s reputation.
Those who had access to inside information.
“Is the Prime Minister currently in the palace?”
“Yes, he’s in his office.”
Dale, with his sleek and graceful panther-like movements, rose from his seat.
“I need to see Duke Lockheart right away.”
* * *
“Are they crazy…?”
The words slipped out of my mouth before I could stop them.
But it was true. Were they insane?
‘Is that supposed to be me?’
Did I have another self somewhere?
It wasn’t impossible, given that I had experienced the unbelievable event of possession, but for my soul to split into two?
“Where are the clothes I had set aside?”
“We’ve prepared them in a room just for you, Lady.”
“Did you spray perfume? If the carpet is rough, I won’t walk on it. You know how unpleasant it is to wear out the soles of my shoes, right?”
Apart from her taste in dresses, there was nothing about her that was like me.
I quietly watched the woman from behind.
The door closed behind her as she entered the room, and the clerks let out a collective sigh of relief.
I asked quietly,
“Is that really Lady Lockheart?”
“Yes, Lady Lockheart. She’s quite famous.”
The clerk whispered cautiously, as if worried someone might overhear.
“When Lady Lockheart visits, everyone is on edge for the entire day. She’s terrifying but also our best customer, spending a lot of money.”
“…Really?”
Just then, the boutique door opened once again.
This time, two more women entered.
“Where did Lady Lockheart go?”
“She’s in the Rose Room.”
“Hmph! You should’ve said so before I asked! Don’t make me waste my breath.”
“Exactly. Hahaha.”
The two women entered the same room and closed the door behind them.
‘What’s going on?’
Is this some sort of hidden camera prank?
“Who are they?”
“They’re Lady Lockheart’s maids.”
“Maids?”
“Yes, I’ve heard they’re maids that Lady Lockheart cherishes very much. They’ve been with her since childhood and know everything about her. Lady Lockheart is very fond of them. One of them is named….”
“Emma.”
“Yes! That’s it, Emma.”
“And the other one?”
“I’m not sure, but I assume she’s also a maid from the Lockheart manor.”
“…..”
Suddenly, it felt like I had fallen into a parallel world I knew nothing about.
That’s supposed to be Lady Lockheart? And that Emma is her maid?
“My Emma is much prettier and smarter than that. I should tell Emma about this—she’ll find it amusing.”
I clicked my tongue.
Even if someone is going to impersonate, they’re doing a terrible job of it.
“I’ve got a story to tell Emma.”
I had been feeling uneasy about not being able to see her while in the capital, but I knew she’d love to hear about this.
“How does a noble lady like you think you can help me? Precious as you are, Lady. If you pity me, give me some bread. Or… heal me.”
I first met Emma in a dark alley.
